The Dark Truth

(This post is about our current D&D chronicle and my character within those stories)

"What I propose is cold logic. What I seek is what those of divine blood would seek. My methods however, have come into question, and so, I pen this answer. Nothing in this world, in the heavens, or in the depths of the abyss, can overcome my determination. I will lay down heroes alongside villains in a bloody path to get to the goals that need to be achieved. The future I see is far off, and will require much sacrifice to regain. I follow one simple path, one guideline as a rule. Anson Stromgarde. His vision is mine, and so I dictate a code and law around what it is he stands for, and what his potential may be. There are things that Sir Stromgarde simply cannot do. He is an honorable knight from a prestigious family. His is a way of light and virtue. Such a man cannot achieve his goals in this world, as it is now. There is too much treachery and foulness to arise in a position of greatness without walking through the mire that has been created, only to be somewhat stained by the ordeal. I must do what Anson cannot. I must tread a path that his code would not allow him to do. I myself, have no such code, nor do I have honor, or even a family name. What I do have is this great power. Power I can use to help Sir Stromgarde shape the world to a more fitting image. If my own persona looks dark and dire to others, than so be it, I am not a hero. I was not born as such, and it is not in my blood. Let them focus there anger on me, let me be a target, let the villains confront me. I will cut them away from there future, one by one. I will bury those that will do us harm, and put down any foreseeable resistance. It is my goal to advise him, to guide him. I give him my honesty, and know what it is he can and cannot do. Even as I give him my answers. I already know what must be done, regardless of what may seem right. Know that what I do is for the goals of a man that is beyond good. I care not if my actions are vile or reprehensible, for my intentions are carried by something far greater than myself. What must be done, will be done."

--Some insights by Arik'thain

"Spira is someone whom I at least consider to be a companion. I believe at one point she held a greater than acceptable admiration for Sir Stromgarde, but that has since cooled. Her admirable traits are her effectiveness in combat. She's far superior to anyone I have ever seen with a bow, and she is one of our most effective methods of sheer damage in combat. She is also a noted ranger, and has a healthy knowledge of the surrounding areas, and seems to take to maps naturally. I'm sure this can only be beneficial, and that along with her natural instincts for the more wild parts of the land, she allows us to move swiftly and safely through otherwise treacherous areas. Having her within our group is definitely beneficial. We would be hard pressed to find a replacement for such a skilled warrior. Unfortunately Spira has many traits that make her hard to deal with. She seems flighty and unsure in social situations, and I have a feeling the girl still doesnt know herself as a person. A nice neck wound that damaged her ability to talk would make her more tolerable, for what she contributes to most conversations is trivial at best, and downright confusing at its worst. She has a simple mind, simple goals, and a simple way of doing things. This is controllable, and is something that I can work with. I hope she continues to be an asset to Anson, though I dont see her getting in his way anytime soon."

"Vardin needs to die. His usefulness is a set of skills that roughly half those in town probably possess. I do not trust his motives, words, or the fact that he has a twin brother that is also a criminal. I say its best to cut the family down and start over, this bunch has gone sour. Its safe to assume that he has only his best interest at heart, and that he's probably working with one, some, or all of our enemies. If he has some use to the party I have not seen it. He's good with locks and staying hidden and stealing, but those traits can easily be turned against us. We do not need these skills. Let me summon beasts to break doors, melt locks or set off traps. These creatures I can trust, and they are expendable as well. Anson has me watching him, but catching the fool will be too much trouble. No, best to end him now before he becomes a nuisance to us. I can trust the others in the group with my life, he is the only one out of sorts. Time to put an end to him. It needs to happen soon, and I am hoping an opportunity will present itself."

"Anson is a hero in every since of the word. He's proven that he's willing to sacrifice his life for what needs to be done, and his only purpose in his existence is to perpetuate good. He lives by a code, cares for the law, and holds all people dear to him. If kings were only made out of the same mold as he. Perhaps someday."



(thats all for now!)

Looking Beyond Darkness

(A character related post to my current character Arik'thain)

"In the time before he took his adventuring career the young man known as Arik'thain was actually the well liked and respected son of his Father Erik'theran. Arik'thain was the son of his father and his fathers first wife. She passed giving birth, and Arik'thains father took a new wife the following year. As was custom, he took a noble wife who had been widowed, and adopted that family into his own. The woman was young and beautiful, and had two sons of her own. Baerus and Nictul where there names. Arik'thain grew up with his two older brothers and knew his fathers second wife as his own mother. All was well, until Arik'thain started growing. Arik'thain was bright, well thought of, attractive, and interested in politics and the merchant business of his father. Arik'thains brothers were crude looking for nobles, and were not well thought of among his peers. Arik'thain still protected there name however, always looking out for his family, as was his duty. According to law, the first rightful child of any family would inherit the family name and wealth when he came of age, unfortunately for his brothers, they were not considered the first rightful child, since they were born outside of the orignal family name. It is unknown if the following was set up, or if it happened by chance, but Baerus and Nictul were accused of stealing a few items from a court wizard hailing from the Gallitrode University. When there room was searched, the items were indeed found, and the two were arrested for the theft. Hearing of this, Arik'thain made an appointment with the wizard who had been stolen from, and told him that he had always been interested in magic, and had mentioned as much to his elder brothers, the two probably stole the items to give to Arik'thain as a gift. The wizard told Arik'thain that he would be willing to have the matter dropped if he agreed to study under him in the Gallitrode University under the Rite of Indenture. To preserve his family's name he agreed, giving up the rite to inherit his family's name or property, or to achieve any status other than wizard. He left his family home shortly after to pursue his studies. His brothers were cleared of any crime, and Erik'theran's second wife became heir to the household once Arik'thains father passes away. Being a male dominated country, the household would thus go to the elder of her two children, Baerus. Arik'thain never mentioned the incident during his studies, and only had the highest of regards for his family, including his beloved brothers. It is said that he would only talk about his wish to someday join his family and help it prosper to its fullest. He talked optimistically that opportunity's could be created with foresight and effort, and that he had the will and determination to see that his family's future, as well as his own, would be secured. "

Inevitable Damnation

(A post regarding my current character Arik'thain.)

-Overheard in a tavern, whispered words from one patron to Arik'thain.-
"Over the past few months I have created in my minds eye the presence of another self. This other self is not an extension of my will nor a reflection of my dark or light wishes. This other self is simply a balcony from which i can perceive all the current happenings around me, and use this higher vantage point to better gain an understanding of what is at stake. Make no mistake about it. What will become of the future is not something that all will agree with. No matter the angle, no matter the situation, events will unfold that will cause misery to others. Death will play a large part of any future that can be foretold, and innocents will be sacrificed alongside tyrants in an effort to pave the way for true success. I can see allies falling to ruin, and those of ill purpose rising up to aid those of virtue. I myself have my own part to play, and I will perform my function to the best of my ability. Be warned now, so that your movements will not entangle themselves in mine."

-A local talks of a conversation he overheard regarding Arik'thain-
"Gnomes are master illusionists that everyone knows about. Interesting. My dislike for the Hill Rats stems from there interference with our current politics. They ride the Coat-tails of there dwarven cousins, and make demands from borrowed spaces in dwarven strongholds. I see no future for these small folk unless they can make good on there own promises. I should note that all gnomes are admitted liars."

-A conversation overheard of Arik'thain discussing his magic-
"You ask me why I believe the magic of conjuration to be the best. Simply put, it is. I have mastered the deeper aspects of my specialization, and can perform the task of any other school. Ask me to divine an answer and I can conjure a celestial, demon, or other outsider to speak the knowledge I seek. Ask me to use magics of protection and I can conjure hardy modron soldiers to protect those in need, or simply move myself or an ally to a place of safety. Ask me to invoke great powers on my foe and I will rip holes into other planes, creating ruptures of acid, cold, or primal fires to wash over my enemies. Ask me to Deceive and I will summon crafty fiends from the plane of Dis. Ask me to enrapture and I will summon Erinyes, Succubus, or Celestials of unfathomable beauty. Ask me to alter the area around me and I will use my power of creation to forge whatever it is I need. Ask me to kill, maim, or spread pestilence, and I will conjure a host of unspeakable horrors to inflict these demands. Conjuration is versatile and powerful. It requires patience, time and a masters will to utilize the school proficiently. I am patient, I will make what time I need, and I have a masters will."

-A bar patron speaking to Arik'thain-
"No, I do not find that one attractive. My tastes you ask? I prefer soft skin and raven hair, though I do not actively seek such relations. When I take a wife, she will be small, beautiful, clean, and quiet. She may not be to my tastes, but she must have the traits I just mentioned. For her own safety you see."



-I'll have more little posts like this as time goes on. Gotta write!-